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President Biden Awards Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 Individuals

President Joe Biden presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals at a White House ceremony on January 5, 2025.  

Here's a simple explanation:

What is the Presidential Medal of Freedom? It's the highest honor a civilian can receive in the United States.  

What does it recognize? Outstanding contributions to:

  • National interests

  • World peace

  • Cultural achievements

When was it established?

  • 1945 by President Harry S. Truman (originally called the Medal of Freedom)

  • Renamed in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy  

Who were some of the recipients this year?

  • Hillary Clinton  

  • George Soros  

  • Robert F. Kennedy (posthumously)  

  • Lionel Messi (did not attend)  

  • Jane Goodall  

  • Denzel Washington  

  • Mitt Romney  

How are recipients chosen?

  • The President makes the final decision.

  • They can receive recommendations from others or choose people themselves.  

  • Executive Order 11515 (1970) gives the President this authority.  

  • Sometimes, members of Congress send recommendation letters.

What is the significance of the selections?

  • The choices often reflect the President's political and personal views.

  • Biden's selections show support for the current political establishment.  

  • Awarding Mitt Romney, a Republican who was critical of the previous administration, shows a bipartisan aspect.

  • Past administrations have also awarded individuals from across the political spectrum.

Who are some other notable past recipients?

  • Oprah Winfrey

  • Bill Gates

  • Rosa Parks  

  • Muhammad Ali

Can non-US citizens receive the medal? Yes.

Can military personnel receive the medal? Yes.

What is the “with distinction” designation? A higher honor within the medal, awarded at the President's discretion, although there are no set criteria.

What is the medal's design?

  • A white star (symbolizing excellence) over a red pentagon (symbolizing courage).  

  • Five gold eagles (symbolizing freedom) surrounding the star.  

  • A blue circle with 13 gold stars (representing the original 13 colonies).  

Key facts:

  • Created in 1945 by Truman.  

  • Can be given to non-citizens.

  • Can be given to military personnel.  

  • Has been awarded "with distinction" at least 55 times.

  • Not limited to any specific field.

In simple terms: President Biden gave out the highest US civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, to 19 people. This medal is given to people who have made major contributions to the country or the world. Past recipients include famous and influential figures from different fields. The President gets to choose who receives the medal, and this year’s list included people from politics, entertainment, and sports.

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